The Inheritance Significance of Nuo Mask in Pingxiang Xiangdong

There are many kinds of Nuo masks in eastern Hunan, and it takes more than ten sets of procedures from raw material processing to finished products. The facial expression of the mask and its crown have specific cultural connotation and significance, exquisite carving technology, simple facial expression, exaggerated technique and obvious regional style. Because the hand-carved Nuo masks are difficult and time-consuming, many young people are unwilling to learn them, so now there is a lack of Nuo masks carving in eastern Hunan. Nowadays, the modern mechanized production mode is entering the Nuo mask making industry, which promotes the further marketization of Nuo masks in eastern Hunan, thus leading to the extinction of many unique handicraft skills.

In addition, most of the traditional Nuo paintings were destroyed in various historical turmoil, and now there is only one complete Nuo painting, which is also seriously damaged because of its age. From the above situation, we can see that the carving skills of Nuo masks in eastern Hunan are in an endangered state and need to be rescued and protected urgently.

The state attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. On May 20th, 2006, this heritage was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.